The widespread use of zero-emission vehicles, which produce no CO2 emissions during operation, is an effective way of helping to bring about a sustainable society. The auto industry must go beyond producing and selling zero-emission vehicles to help put the necessary infrastructure in place and assure that the vehicles are economical to use-goals that no company can accomplish on its own. The Renault-Nissan Alliance has made the launch and popularization of EVs a key strategy, and has committed to zero-emission leadership. In addition to boosting the development and production of EVs, we have forged more than 100 zero-emission partnerships with national and local governments, electric power companies and other partners in a range of industries to promote zero-emission mobility and to carry out discussions on the construction of the required infrastructure.

We are also taking part in a comprehensive range of initiatives focusing on zero-emission mobility, including the production of lithium-ion batteries, secondary use and recycling of batteries, in-house manufacture and sale of quick-charging equipment, construction of vehicle-charging infrastructure and standardization of charging methods with other manufacturers. The spread of zero-emission vehicles will pave the way for the development of a sustainable mobility society.

"LEAF to Home" Power Supply System

The "LEAF to Home" system in action, using the EV Power Station by Nichikon

"Vehicle-to-Building" test at NATC

In May 2012, Nissan unveiled a new system, "LEAF to Home" that enables electricity to be supplied from the lithium-ion batteries installed in Nissan LEAF to households through the EV Power Station built by Nichicon Corporation. Nissan LEAF can supply the electricity in its battery to a house when the car's quick-charging port is connected to the house's electricity distribution panel. This system provides completely new value made possible by the zero-emission vehicle's battery. In addition, the connector complies with the CHAdeMO Association's protocol for quick chargers, known for its versatility, safety and reliability.

With the "LEAF to Home", Nissan LEAF can be used as an electricity storage device for houses in times of power outages and/or shortages. The system can also help to reduce the burden on the power grid by charging Nissan LEAF with electricity generated at night (often at lower cost to the consumer), or through sustainable methods such as solar power, and using it during high demand periods.

In July 2013, Nissan began a test of "Vehicle-to-Building," which is based on "LEAF to Home," at the Nissan Advanced Technology Center (NATC) in Atsugi, Kanagawa Prefecture. "Vehicle-to-Building" allows up to six Nissan LEAFs to be connected and supply power to office buildings, condominiums or other buildings. Users can save electricity costs by drawing on this system at times of peak demand. In tests at the center, the system achieved an approximately 2.5% reduction of electrical power use
during peak hours. Nissan plans to identify issues with operation of the system and test it outside the company.